Category: Projects

Two small mustelid species that are found in the Netherlands, the stoat (Mustela erminea) and the weasel (Mustela nivalis), have been chosen as the Dutch Wildlife Health Centre’s focus species for 2017. These species were chosen as relatively little is known about their distribution and disease status in the

The green finch was selected as the focus species of the Dutch Wildlife Health Centre (DWHC) for 2016.

In 2015, 11 dead mute swans were submitted to the Dutch Wildlife Health Centre (DWHC) for post-mortem investigation. Whilst the cause of death of these birds varied, they were all negative for avian influenza virus.

Help us by reporting finding a dead raccoon or raccoon dog Raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonides) and raccoons (Procyon lotor) are spotted with increasing frequency around the Eastern border of the Netherlands. Both animals can carry pathogens that can cause disease in humans. For example, raccoon dogs may be

In 2016, the green finch was selected as the focus species of the Dutch Wildlife Health Centre (DWHC) and together with partner organisations we ask you to help us research this common garden bird by reporting findings of dead birds. to the DWHC.

As part of research being carried out by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) in 2014 the DWHC called on the public to report all findings of dead raccoon dogs. The researchers are investigating the occurrence of several zoonotic parasites (Echinococcus and Trichinella) in raccoon

The mute swan (Cygnus olor) has been chosen as the DWHC focus species for 2015. 

The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) will investigate whether raccoon dogs in the Netherlands are infected with the parasites Trichinella spiralis and Echinococcus multilocularis that can be transmitted to humans.

Background and aims for the pilot project Prior to entering the food chain for human consumption, hunted game must first undergo a series of inspections. The first of these is performed in the field by ‘qualified persons’ who are trained by the National Hunt Training Organisation (Stichting

Each year between 300 and 500 wild birds found dead in the wild are sampled for bird flu virus (avian influenza virus, AIV) as part of the AIV monitoring program in the Netherlands. Since 2014, Sovon, the DWHC, the NVWA (Dutch Food Safety Authority), and the Central Veterinary Institute (CVI) carry out this